This post was kindly shared by ACORN from their Spring 2013 newsletter and is reprinted with permission. Congratulations to everyone that helped make this happen!

We are pleased to announce that the NL organic and ecological agricultural sector has (possibly in record time) completed a strategic plan for the sector! The process started on February 14 & 15, when industry representatives gathered for a successful strategic planning session, facilitated by professional Ken Kavanagh.

Over the course of the two days, fifteen farmers (and a few non-farmers) from across the large province (including one representative from Labrador!) offered their insight, inspiration and ideas to shape the future of the organic and ecological farming community in NL.

Farmer and consultant Sarah Crocker compiled and analyzed results from both the strategic planning session as well as through feedback from survey results collected over a three-week period. Together with ACORN and a dedicated volunteer Steering Committee of representative farmers, Crocker set to work on writing a comprehensive profile and strategic plan for the sector.

Believe it or not, the entire strategic plan and sector profile were successfully presented to government on April 1st and the group is excited to start implementing the many ideas that came forward!

The following is a snapshot of what the plan covers. Keep an eye on the ACORN and ACORN NL websites where the full Strategic Plan will soon be posted. Contact acorn-nl@acornorganic.org for more information.